Friends and fans have shared their heartache after reports a Sheffield TikTok star who was ‘exploited for likes’ has died.
A woman named locally as Keeley Thornton – known as ‘Sheffield Keeley’ on social media platform TikTok – was reportedly found unconscious in the city centre on Tuesday, January 14. It is understood emergency services were called to Arundel Gate, and the 34-year-old was taken to hospital where she was reportedly pronounced dead.
It is understood her death is being treated as unexplained and a woman has been arrested in connection with her death. South Yorkshire Police has been contacted for more information.
Keeley was mostly known as ‘Sheffield Keeley’ on TikTok and was sought out by people to video her singing popular songs. But despite bringing ‘joy’ and going viral, homelessness organisation The Archer Project claims Keeley was “exploited for likes”.
Tribute videos for Keeley have been posted on TikTok
In a blog post published on Wednesday, January 15, a spokesman said: “Just for likes, that’s what it comes down to. They exploited her just for likes.
“When we say exploited, that’s what we mean. It wasn’t a casual filming of someone you come across, which many think is bad enough. No, she was sought out, she told us she was given money to be on social media, to swim in fountains in the middle of winter or dance in an inebriated state like a performing clown or whatever.
“She was effectively being fed booze to perform because that was her addiction. Dance and we’ll give you more of what you crave, what you can’t do without, what your body craves and needs. Dance and we’ll reward you with the funds to buy more.
One video of Keeley singing with fans
“Some will say they didn’t know. Come on, let’s be real, it was hard to not know. Her alcoholism was the attraction, her fuelled with drink and what she would do when drunk, that was the sought after video.
“She didn’t have the ability to care for herself in any way. She was physically at risk, emotionally at sea and unable to assess safety from danger.
“The truth is she was a person, a daughter, a niece. She was a human being not an entertainment.”
Keeley Thorton died in Sheffield City Centre on Tuesday, January 14
The spokesman said a number of organisations worked to try to stop the exploitation, and many agencies are now considering what they could have done differently. They wrote: “What we do know is that voyeuristic social media gurus worked against those of us who were supporting her.
“They made her life worse. Today we will mourn, we will think of her and her family and the hurt they will be feeling. “
Dozens have taken to social media – including the platform which made her famous – to offer their condolences and pay tribute. Among them was Tom Blewitt, who wrote: “Heartbreaking news tonight. RIP Keeley Thornton, You didn’t have the best of situations in life but you lived it to the full girl.”
And Kieran Simpson said: “I’m so sorry for her family my thoughts are with you rip Keely you was lovely to meet you
“You rest easy now your away from all the idiots.”
Others re-posted videos of Keeley performing, with text across it saying ‘RIP’ and ‘fly high’.
Meanwhile, Cherie Lowe has set up a GoFundMe page with £450 raised so far to help Keeley’s family. In the description she wrote: “I’m fundraising for a young lady called Keeley Thornton known as cotton wool to me but to others some know her as Sheffield Keeley.
“She is now at peace fly like a bird she had a beautiful heart.
“We would all like to help all the family at this sad time.”
To donate, click here.
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